BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM

Mining: Compensation

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he expects the UK coal dust calculator to be implemented.

Malcolm Wicks: A recent Court Order (2007/49) sets out a timetable for the amended UK Dust Calculator to be tested and evaluated by the relevant parties. Position papers are to be served by 16 November 2007 and in the absence of such papers, the UK Coal dust model will be implemented from 19 November. If issues remain, then the resolution of all issues will be made by the Presiding Judge at the December 2007 hearing. It is the Department's belief that there will be issues that will require the Judge's attention in December.

Public Holidays: Wales

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what consideration he has given to moving one public holiday in Wales to St. David's Day; and what estimate he has made of the costs associated with such a move.

Patrick McFadden: The present pattern of bank holidays in the United Kingdom is well established and accepted, and the Government have no current plans to change the arrangements.